Steven, in my first reply I said the alternate size was 205/65R14.  It is 205/70R14
---- Steven Sittser <ssittservl@AOL.COM> wrote:
> > From: Dennis Haynes
> > Stock wheels, steel 14 x 5.5 or Alloy 14 X 6?
>
> I forgot there were multiple options for "stock". I have steel wheels.  My tires have all been size 185R14, and I'm unclear about what other sizes (if any) are appropriate.
>
>             - Steven Sittser
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Steven Sittser
> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:25 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tires
>
> It's time for new tires, and I'm looking for advice.
>
> I know, there's lots of tire discussion on the list and elsewhere.  I've
> read through much of it.  It's hard to distill it down to what's currently
> available and appropriate for my van, though.  The variety of sizes and
> options, and the consequences of using different sizes, are somewhat
> bewildering
>
> Here's what I'm looking for:
>
> I have an '88 Westy with stock wheels.  I don't want to change to new
> wheels.  These roll.  I like them.
>
> What's most important to me is good, safe handling and traction.  I want
> good traction in the rain.  We don't get enough snow here (St. Louis) to
> justify snow tires or chains, but, when we do get snow, I'd like to be able
> to drive to work safely, even when the roads aren't quite cleared yet, or if
> it's a bit icy.
>
> I guess I'm OK with not-quite-stock-size tires that make my speedometer read
> slightly differently, if it's worth the bit of extra trouble.  The
> speedometer's 10 mph off now anyway.  (I need to open it up and fix it.)
>
> I've used Michelin Agilis 61's in the past, and mostly been happy with them.
> I would have liked better rain and snow traction, though.
>
> My most recent set of tires is Hankook RA08's.  I think I like them a little
> better than the Michelins - I think the rain and snow traction might be a
> bit better.  They didn't last nearly as long as the Michelins, though: the
> Michelins lasted seven and a half years but the Hankooks lasted only three
> and a half years.
>
> I guess my current plan is to get the Hankooks again - I guess the possibly
> somewhat better traction is a good trade for the durability.
>
> However, I wondered if there might be a better choice out there somewhere.
> Does anyone have experience with a different tire that they'd recommend, for
> stock wheels, ideally with better rain and snow handling?  Greater
> durability and lower price are always a plus, too.
>
> Best tires I ever had (not on the Vanagon): Bridgestone Turanza T's.  Great
> traction and handling in all weather.
>
> Worst: Dean Quasars.  Inexpensive, and wore like iron, but pretty slippery
> in rain or snow.  I was excited when they finally wore out, and I replaced
> them with the Turanza T's (which I'd already grown to like on my wife's
> car).
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
>               - Steven Sittser
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Steven Sittser
> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:25 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tires
>
> It's time for new tires, and I'm looking for advice.
>
> I know, there's lots of tire discussion on the list and elsewhere.  I've
> read through much of it.  It's hard to distill it down to what's currently
> available and appropriate for my van, though.  The variety of sizes and
> options, and the consequences of using different sizes, are somewhat
> bewildering
>
> Here's what I'm looking for:
>
> I have an '88 Westy with stock wheels.  I don't want to change to new
> wheels.  These roll.  I like them.
>
> What's most important to me is good, safe handling and traction.  I want
> good traction in the rain.  We don't get enough snow here (St. Louis) to
> justify snow tires or chains, but, when we do get snow, I'd like to be able
> to drive to work safely, even when the roads aren't quite cleared yet, or if
> it's a bit icy.
>
> I guess I'm OK with not-quite-stock-size tires that make my speedometer read
> slightly differently, if it's worth the bit of extra trouble.  The
> speedometer's 10 mph off now anyway.  (I need to open it up and fix it.)
>
> I've used Michelin Agilis 61's in the past, and mostly been happy with them.
> I would have liked better rain and snow traction, though.
>
> My most recent set of tires is Hankook RA08's.  I think I like them a little
> better than the Michelins - I think the rain and snow traction might be a
> bit better.  They didn't last nearly as long as the Michelins, though: the
> Michelins lasted seven and a half years but the Hankooks lasted only three
> and a half years.
>
> I guess my current plan is to get the Hankooks again - I guess the possibly
> somewhat better traction is a good trade for the durability.
>
> However, I wondered if there might be a better choice out there somewhere.
> Does anyone have experience with a different tire that they'd recommend, for
> stock wheels, ideally with better rain and snow handling?  Greater
> durability and lower price are always a plus, too.
>
> Best tires I ever had (not on the Vanagon): Bridgestone Turanza T's.  Great
> traction and handling in all weather.
>
> Worst: Dean Quasars.  Inexpensive, and wore like iron, but pretty slippery
> in rain or snow.  I was excited when they finally wore out, and I replaced
> them with the Turanza T's (which I'd already grown to like on my wife's
> car).
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
>               - Steven Sittser

--
David McNeely